This week’s FNB Varsity Shield game between log leaders FNB UWC and second-placed FNB Madibaz in Gqeberha is building up to be a mini-final with promotion to the coveted FNB Varsity Cup up for grabs.
The team finishing top of the 2023 Varsity Shield log, will be automatically promoted to the 2024 Varsity Cup. The team finishing second on the Shield log will play in a promotion/relegation match against the team that finishes 7th on the Varsity Cup log.
As things currently stand, UWC are on 30 points (6 bonus points) with six victories from six matches. Madibaz are on 27 points (7 bonus points) with five from six, their only defeat coming against FNB CPUT in round 4. (Watch highlights from the match HERE.)
The outcome of Thursday’s clash could see either team being promoted depending on who wins, bonus points and it could even go down to points difference should they be tied on total points. A win in the tournament is 4 points, a draw is 2 points and a loss is no points. Bonus points are awarded for scoring 4 tries or more in a game or for losing by less than 7 points.
If UWC win then they will finish top of the log regardless of whether Madibaz get bonus points
If Madibaz win without a bonus point and UWC get no bonus points then Madibaz will finish top of the log
If Madibaz win without a bonus point and UWC get 1 bonus point then they will be tied and it will be decided on the points difference. UWC currently have a better points difference and Madibaz will need to win by more than 117
If Madibaz win with a bonus point and UWC gets 1 bonus point then Madibaz will finish top of the log
If Madibaz win with a bonus point and UWC gets 2 bonus points then they will be tied and it will be decided on points difference
If they draw UWC will finish top of the log regardless of bonus points
The team who finishes top of the log after round 7 wins outright promotion to the big leagues of the Varsity Cup. The losers will however have a second bite at the apple and who they will face is still to be decided.
The team that finishes bottom of the Varsity Shield log will play off against the top USSA team to decide who plays in the 2024 tournament.
You can watch the game live on SuperSport at 15:30.
